Of Love, Belonging and Teamwork

Entrepreneurial couple Atul and Anupama Singh are partners not just in life, but also at work. Successfully running a business of manufacturing and supplying polymer based engineering products for over two decades, they have walked the talk when it comes to commitment, caring and companionship

Love is all very well,” begins Atul Singh with the characteristic practicality of an engineer. “But, what is the point of loving someone if you don’t belong to them completely?

A pointed observation, one that he and his better half, the lovely Anupama have lived out in marriage, at work and as parents to their two girls Kashish (25) and Kritika (17).

As Atul adds, “After all, what’s on the inside is far more important than what is on the outside.”

Anupama nods. She would know. She has been his strength and mainstay for 28 years now.

Back to the beginning

This story was first scripted in the late 90s, even as Anupama was completing her post-graduation in history at the Banaras Hindu University, in Varanasi. She was introduced to Atul, then working in Gorakhpur, by a relative. The two began talking.

To her joy, there was much in common: similar values in life and hobbies that complemented each other. “Though there were no mobile phones back then, we would converse for our,” reminisces Anupama. “What I liked about him was that he was progressive and broad-minded.” When they met, one of the first things he asked her was: “You know, my job requires me to travel at lot. How will you manage when I am gone? Won’t it be tough?”

In that moment, Anupama realised that here was a considerate person who was actually looking out for her.

And gradually, love happened

Post-marriage, the young couple shifted to Hyderabad. But, Atul always wanted to strike out on his own, build something for himself and his family. And, that’s how he decided to take the plunge into business. “It was a risk,” he shares, “the timing was delicate. We had been married just two years, and our first child Kashish had just come into the world. To decide to make do without the stability of an income was a big decision. But, Anupama was with me all the way.”

Thus, the couple managed risk and success together and the rewards have been substantial, from financial growth to personal fulfillment. However, they have also learned to balance risk and success, recognising that every upward trajectory requires strategic gear-shifting. “Above all, there is one mantra which worked for me. To be focused, disciplined and move one step at a time every time.

The next logical step was to settle in a city that allowed room for professional growth along with quality of life. Pune fit the bill on every count. And so, in 2001, they made their home in the city.

"The pillars of marriage—I would say are trust, freedom and space. Maturity comes with time and experience, but if you think and act like a team, it all falls into place"

— Anupama Singh

• Shared dreams
• Respect, trust and space
• Love and belonging
• Supporting and respecting each other’s goals

From strength to strength

Their company Ally International is focused on manufacturing and supplying polymer based engineering products to various sectors. From the get-go, the couple has been clear about forming a clear structure and system. “I look after the technical aspect, while she looks after the finances. We both play to our strengths—over time and with patience, our venture has succeeded,” he says.

“It takes time, but once you manage to put a system in place, business will continue to be in autopilot mode. In fact, we built our action plan keeping in mind four core points: people, process, cash and strategies,” he adds.

So, what advice would he give to entrepreneurial hopefuls out there? “Be sure to have a nest egg that will cover six to eight months of expenses. Also, it is important to have family on the same page as you,” he says. “I mean, starting a business is stressful enough without having an irate partner in the backdrop.”

Over and above everything, patience is key. “A business grows from seed to tree. You must nourish it with diligence, hardwork and strategy. It takes years before you can see the fruit. But rest assured, if you leave half-way, you never will,” he cautions. “Word hard and keep the faith.”

However, despite the pressures and demands on his time, he is sure to give time and attention to family. “When you have them by your side, anything and everything is possible,” he says.

On her part, Anupama has walked the tight rope between home and hearth with dexterity too. “Honestly, it isn’t easy to balance things,” she says. “But, I was very clear that I would not build a business at the cost of sacrificing precious time with my girls.”

It helps that Atul is of a similar mindset. “I don’t remember a single instance when I have asked to go out for a movie or dinner and he has refused,” she smiles. “It’s the same with our girls. He is always with them when it comes to the big things.”

Keeping work pressures out of the family nest isn’t easy, considering that both are two sides of the same coin. “However, it is something one must take in one’s stride,” says Atul. “It is also important to set certain boundaries, consciously.”

Considering they’ve been married for so long, what as per them, are the pillars of marriage? “I would say trust, freedom and space. Maturity comes with time and experience, but if you think and act like a team, it all falls into place,” says Anupama.

Atul, on the other hand, believes that respect is the ground that any marriage stands on, whether arranged or love. “Only when you have that, can you build things and grow together,” he says.

Quality time together consists of watching movies together and listening to music. An avid reader, Atul shares the gist of the books he enjoys most with her. “I love listening to his take on the books he is reading. It is enlightening and fun,” she says.

Among other things, Anupama has recently made a foray into the world of pageantry winning the Mrs Maharashtra 2024 Crown and Grehlakshmi Mrs India 2025 Crown organised by DIVA pageants. “It was completely different experience and an empowering one. It opened so many new ideas and thoughts to me,” she says. A fitness and fashion enthusiast, Anupama, nevertheless points out that standing tall on stage and making one’s presence felt is more than just looks. “You need confidence and presence of mind,” she points out. “So, pageantry also has considerable substance to it.”

On his part, Atul is an enthusiastic supporter. “I have always believed that your spouse is first a human being with dreams of their own before anything else. To that end, I do what I can to smoothen her journey,” he says.

Parenting mantras

Since they have both built their dreams and followed their heart, they extend the same encouragement to their girls. “We have always prioritised overall development over academics. Yes, studies are important, but we have always let the girls choose their own fields and take their own decisions. We stand by their choices, no matter what,” rounds off Anupama firmly.